There is no fixed treatment plan that can be applied to every recovering addict. Each patient is different, with a unique history of substance abuse, severity, and personal traumatic experiences. As such, rehabs use a continuum of care in which the patients are afforded a level of care that is appropriate for their condition. The levels must align with their needs for effective treatment and recovery. Additionally, they can just move through the levels as they get better. Their treatment adapts to their progress.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), there are five levels of the continuum of care for substance abuse patients. Each level indicates the intensity of the patient’s condition as well as the intensity of care that corresponds to their situation. The levels are as follows:

·         Level 0.5: Early intervention and detection

·         Level I: Outpatient

·         Level II: Intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program

·         Level III: Residential or inpatient programs·        

·         Level IV: Intensive inpatient programs with medical management

5 Levels Of Care For Addiction Treatment

Level 0.5: Early Intervention

This level is exclusively for people who have high risks of developing substance abuse disorders. This level of care aims to preemptively intervene before the addiction potentially worsens. This is applicable for patients who are predisposed to drug abuse. Part of the program is close monitoring in case the patient’s addiction develops even further.

Level I: Outpatient Treatment

Patients at level 1 are not required to be admitted or to reside in the rehab premises. They are free to live in their residential areas for as long as they are able to attend regular meetings and therapy sessions. These sessions include one-on-one consultations with therapists and counselors. Additionally, patients get access to group therapy. In this way, they can receive continuous treatment while living a relatively normal life.

Outpatient treatment is more affordable compared to residential or inpatient treatment simply because there is no need to cover the residential costs and 24/7 medical care. In this level, the services provided are as follows:

·         Evaluation of the patient’s condition to identify the addiction level

·         Treatment of the patient

·         Follow-up treatment to monitor the patient’s progress

·         Help the patient implement behavioral  changes they have learned from therapy

·         Help improve the patient’s mental health, functioning, and stability

Level I treatment can be a transitional point for patients who came from higher levels of care. It is also beneficial for patients who are not yet ready to conclude their treatment journey.

Level II: Intensive Outpatient Programs or Partial Hospitalization Programs

Level II programs, which include IOP and PHP, are designed to provide the following:

·         Consultation services

·         24/7 crisis hotline

·         Psychopharmacological care

·         Psychiatric care

·         Medical assistance and management·        

·         Support training and services such as vocational training, child care, and transportation

While the two types of treatment are categorized at the same level, there are some differences that truly matter when searching for the right treatment plan that the patient needs. IOP provides education and counseling to help the patient gain a better understanding of their mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. The patients receive referrals to the respective psychiatric and medical departments that will care for them. Take note that unstable psychological conditions and severe medical problems cannot be remedied by IOP.

For severe cases that require close medical monitoring, PHP is highly recommended. PHP provides direct access to medical professionals as well as laboratory services. The program provides a multidimensional approach for patients with co-occurring disorders with a focus on hospitalization.

Level III: Inpatient Programs or Residential Treatment

Level III provides a stable, safe, and comfortable environment that is conducive for recovery. The patients will be admitted to the rehab center wherein they are to be isolated from the rest of the world so that they will be far from temptations. In the center, they can focus on recovery by attending group meetings, individual therapy, and even holistic treatment programs.

Level 3.1: Low-intensity, clinically managed residential treatment

This level provides 24/7 care and support. This level focuses on teaching the patients the different recovery skills they need to attain sobriety. They will also be taught how to form their own relapse prevention plans while training them to have a more stable emotional status.

Level 3.3: Medium-intensity, clinically managed residential treatment

This is also known as extended or long-term care. This level focuses on slower and repetitive steps that are essential for targeting mental illnesses linked to substance abuse. This level provides ongoing case management, vocational training, self-help meetings, and transportation services.

Level IV: Medically-Managed Intensive Inpatient Program

Level IV is referred to as the most intense and comprehensive treatment plan reserved for the most severe cases. The patients are medically detained in the facility where there is professional staff on-call, 24/7. The staff is also trained with acute care skills and resources to deal with co-occurring disorders. This level of care is designed to help patients transition to lower levels of care as they recover.

Consult us at R&R Recovery today to learn more about the different levels of care as well as what will best suit you or your recovering loved one. Take your first steps towards recovery with us today.